'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' -- 3 stars

PG-13; 2:04 running timeA comedy-drama saved by the casting bell,"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" arranges for a tiptop collection of British character women and men to bring out the best in a pleasantly predictable story. Wait. Shouldn't that be "unhappily predictable"? Not always, folks: Some projects are better off going easy on the surprises, and concentrating on a reassuring level of actorly craft. -- Michael PhillipsRead the full "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" movie review

PG-13; 2:04 running timeA comedy-drama saved by the casting bell,"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" arranges for a tiptop collection of British character women and men to bring out the best in a pleasantly predictable story. Wait. Shouldn't that be "unhappily predictable"? Not always, folks: Some projects are better off going easy on the surprises, and concentrating on a reassuring level of actorly craft. -- Michael PhillipsRead the full "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" movie review